Double Chance Betting: How does Double Chance work?
- Double Chance lets you back two of three outcomes.
- It reduces risk for bettors.
- The bookmaker offers lower odds.
- Common in football but works in other sports.
Richard Trenchard
Last updated 26 Nov 2025
Double Chance in betting means exactly that: having twice as many chances to win when predicting the outcome of an event. A common example is betting on two outcomes happening in a football match, such as one team winning or drawing. It is a way to reduce risk when betting, making it a popular option for bettors. It does mean the odds are less favourable, but it can be a safer option for those who are risk-averse.
Table of contents
- 1.What is a Double Chance Bet?
- 2.Recommended Bookmakers for Double Chance Bets
- 3.The 3 Types of Double Chance Bets Explained
- 4.A Double Chance Bet Example
- 5.The Pros and Cons of Double Chance Betting
- 6.Double Chance Betting Strategy: When to Use It
What is a Double Chance Bet?
A double chance bet is a wager that allows bettors to place a bet on two outcomes of a possible event, instead of just one. In football, this can mean betting on two of the possible three outcomes to enhance win potential, covering a combination of a home win, a draw, or an away win.
Recommended Bookmakers for Double Chance Bets
We provide a curated list of the bookmakers that we recommend highly for double chance betting. These options are trusted in the UK market. They have been tested and reviewed by our team of experts, ensuring they offer the best double chance bets in terms of odds and experience.
Paddy Power is trusted by millions of sports fans across the United Kingdom, with members enjoying competition-smashing odds on football, horse racing...
| Overall rating | 90% |
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| Overall rating | 87% |
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| Overall rating | 88% |
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| Overall rating | 86% |
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| Overall rating | 89% |
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The 3 Types of Double Chance Bets Explained
A double chance bet will come with three different types of wagers that can be placed.
A Double Chance Bet Example
A double chance betting example may look like:
- Football match being bet on: Arsenal vs Liverpool
- Markets include 1/X, X/2, and 1/2.
- A bettor wants to back a win and believes there is no chance of a draw.
- They will select the 1/2 market.
- This bet can only be successful if the match has a winner; it doesn’t matter if it is Arsenal or Liverpool.
The Pros and Cons of Double Chance Betting
Double chance in betting offers notable pros and cons.
The biggest pro is that punters have an increased chance of winning. By backing two of three potential outcomes, their chances of obtaining a profit increase to ⅔. It reduces the risk for players who aren’t willing to bet on just one outcome.
However, the biggest con is that odds are typically significantly lower. Bookmakers recognise that they will be in a position where they could lose by offering players a better chance to win. To keep their profit margin as high as possible, they’ll reduce the odds offered.
Double Chance Betting Strategy: When to Use It
Double chance bets can be helpful when using betting strategies when trying to maximise profits. They reduce the risks involved, at a cost of offering lower odds. Reading historical data and recent developments can help create informed decisions.
When to use 1X
It is best to use the ‘1X’ market when the home team is strong at home and/or if the match between the two teams is evenly matched. It can also be helpful if the home team are underdogs and have shown they play well when at home, or if the away team are missing key players.
When to use X2
The ‘X2’ market can be best used when the away team is strong on the road, or if the home team is in poor form/are inconsistent at their stadium. Additionally, if the home team is missing key players or history suggests the away team do well in their visits.
When to use 12
If both teams have very few draws in recent fixtures or historical data suggests draws don’t happen between them, then it can be best to go for the ‘12’ market. Additionally, if there is something to play for (title or avoid relegation), three points can mean so much more, forcing teams to go for the win.
FAQ
What does "12" mean in a Double Chance bet?
“12” in double chance betting means backing either competitor to win the event and not backing a draw.
Are the odds for Double Chance better than for Draw No Bet?
No, Draw No Bet markets typically offer better odds than Double Chance betting. Double Chance covers more outcomes, making it a safer bet. As a result, bookmakers reduce the odds offered.
Does Double Chance include extra time?
No, Double Chance bets do not include extra time. They are settled based on events being completed in regulation time.
Can I use Double Chance bets in an accumulator?
Yes, it is possible to include Double Chance bets in an accumulator.
What sports can I use Double Chance betting on?
Any sport with three possible outcomes can use Double Chance betting. Football is typically the most common, but it is possible to use with ice hockey, cricket, and others, where a win or draw can be observed.
Is a "1X" Double Chance bet the same as a "+0.5 Asian Handicap"?
They are functionally the same type of bet, as they cover the same outcomes as long as the “+0.5 Asian Handicap” bet is placed on the home team.
Meet the Author
We're delighted to have Richard on board at Flashscore. Offering a wealth of experience, Rich used to be a national newspaper and sports journalist before focussing entirely on the igaming and sports betting spheres. That means he is able to combine super sharp editorial instinct and crisp content with a wealth of information, having worked with some of the biggest names in the business over the past decade. So, when you see Rich's name on an article, you know it's packed information you can trust. Whether it's information on a particular casino, betting terms explained, betting tips, the best betting sites around, or anything else, Rich has got your back.
